Wondering whether Costa Rica is safety to visit? You're in the right place to find out.

Costa Rica is a true wonderland with jungles, beaches and friendly people. But, there are some very scary stories going round which may brand yous wonder whether it's worth information technology?

Don't worry! We are here to brand sure you know the score when information technology comes to safety in Costa Rica! The travel experts at The Bankrupt Backpacker have written this guide for staying safe in Costa Rica to help assuage your concerns.

In this guide, we are going to be covering a broad multifariousness of topics ranging from transport to traveling alone to traveling as a female in Costa Rica. Nosotros're going to answer a whole lot of questions along the way, similar "is the food rubber to consume in Costa rica?" (Spoiler alert: yes!) and more.

Tabular array of Contents Show

  • How Safe is Costa rica? (Our take)
  • Safest Places to Visit in Costa Rica
  • 17 Top Safe Tips for Traveling to Costa rica
  • Is Republic of costa rica safe to travel alone?
  • Is Costa Rica safe for solo female person travelers?
  • More than about Safety in Costa rica
  • Republic of costa rica Safety FAQ's
  • So, Is Costa Rica Safety?

How Safe is Costa Rica? (Our accept)

How rubber is backpacking in Costa rica? The land suffers from many of the same issues that plague nearly Latin American countries – drug trafficking, poverty, and economic struggles. That being said, Republic of costa rica is still pretty prophylactic when compared to some of its more than violent neighbors. In that location are moments where you may feel unsure but we believe that most of the fourth dimension and well-nigh areas in Costa rica are safe.

It's of import to know that security in Republic of costa rica is however developing. Petty theft (pickpocketing effectually tourist areas/on public ship) definitely happens. Violent crime such equally muggings, specially belatedly at night, isn't uncommon either. Gang-related crime is on the rise, merely it more often than not occurs in and effectually San Jose.

costa rica green mountains and blue sky
Costa Rica is a beautiful country worth exploring. Simply is it safe?

Don't allow this spook you – crime is oft a case of wrong place, wrong time. Being vigilant and listening to your gut is a good manner to avert danger.

The government also has your back as it's corking to go along Costa rica a comfortable place for people to travel – afterwards all, the tourism industry contributes significantly to the country's GDP. Overall, it's helping to reduce poverty in the country.

We're guessing that being robbed or dying isn't top of your itinerary for Republic of costa rica correct? So let's talk about facts and get into the nitty-gritty of how to stay safety in Costa Rica…

At that place is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, and this article is no different. The question of "Is Costa Rica Prophylactic?" will Ever have a different answer depending on the parties involved. But this article is written for savvy travellers from the perspective of savvy travellers.

The data present in this safety guide was accurate at the fourth dimension of writing, however, the earth is a changeable place, at present more than ever. Between the pandemic, ever-worsening cultural sectionalisation, and a click-hungry media, it tin be difficult to maintain what is truth and what is sensationalism.

Here, y'all will find safe cognition and advice for travelling Republic of costa rica. It won't be down to the wire cutting edge info on the most current events, but it is layered in the expertise of veteran travellers. If you utilize our guide, do your own research, and practise mutual sense, you will take a safe trip to Costa Rica.

If you meet any outdated information in this guide, we would really capeesh it if you could reach out in the comments below. We strive to provide the well-nigh relevant travel data on the web and ever appreciate input from our readers (nicely, delight!). Otherwise, cheers for your ear and stay safe!

It'due south a wild earth out there. Merely it's pretty damn special likewise. 🙂

Is Costa Rica Safe to Visit Right Now?

Over the concluding several years, criminal offences have been on the rise. Since 2015 the murder rate has risen higher up the Globe Health Organisation "epidemic threshold" of 10 per 100,000. This is a very new trend – and is quite antipodal to Costa Rica's paradisaical reputation – but experts are starting to target the causes.

Now, you may be surprised to know that Costa rica is actually one of the well-nigh stable Latin American countries. No army (abolished in 1949!) ways funding goes to ameliorate things – like amazing healthcare.

With tourism contributing majorly to the state's GDP, and those tourist dollars going some manner to eliminate poverty (albeit slowly), the government is focused on making the land attainable and comfortable for tourists.

Crime might accept been steadily on the rise, including violent crime. However, this is mainly gang-related and rarely impacts visitors.

People in Costa Rica
Pigeon related criminal offense is not a Costa Rica safety concern

Costa rica Travel Insurance

Do you lot need Travel Insurance for your trip? Fifty-fifty if y'all're but going for a few days, that'due south more than enough time to become smote past wrathful angels. Explore Costa Rica'south top places, but have it from the states, overseas medical care and canceled flights can exist seriously expensive – insurance can, therefore, be a life-saver.

Travel mishaps can and do happen and it is well worth thinking nigh insurance before you get out home.

We have used Globe Nomads for years at present and I take personally fabricated several claims. Why not get a quote from them yourself?

Do be sure to read the terms and atmospheric condition to make sure that the policy covers your needs.

Getting an estimate from World Nomads is uncomplicated – just click the button or image below, fill out the necessary info, and you're on your fashion!

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Safest Places to Visit in Costa Rica

Costa rica is a massive tourist destination and overall pretty safe. However, there are some areas that are sketchier than others. We've listed Costa Rica'southward best places to stay, and the "non-and then-good" ones below.

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is an incredible Costa Rican beach town that is packed with all that you could love about Republic of costa rica! Situated in the Guanacaste Province, on Costa rica's Pacific declension, Tamarindo has enough of incredible places to offer. Information technology has beautiful beaches, a wild nightlife, and is actually a huge hub for surfers. While Tamarindo is definitely a pop destination to visit, it doesn't concenter as many tourists as other cities, so the prophylactic level is still quite high.

Popular Beach Hotspot

Tamarindo Costa Rica

Popular Embankment Hotspot

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is known for its stunning beaches and crazy nightlife. It's also a paradise for surfers.

Drake Bay

Drake Bay, also called Bahía Drake, sits on the coast in the southwest of Costa Rica. This is hands downwardly the best city in Costa Rica to visit when traveling with your family! It is a remote village, not a crazy tourist hub and therefore one of the safest areas in Costa Rica. That means that y'all and your family unit won't be fighting for a identify to put your beach towel downward! The main beach of Drake Bay is called Playa Colorada, which has a handful of restaurants and warm, peaceful h2o!

Snorkling/Scuba Diving Paradise

Best Place to Stay in Costa Rica For Families

Snorkling/Scuba Diving Paradise

Drake Bay

The remote hamlet is ane of the safest places in Costa rica due to fewer tourists, but information technology offers amazing nature, subconscious gems and a calm lifestyle.

Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca sits in the southeast of Costa Rica. It's right on the gorgeous Caribbean coast and is renowned for its black sand embankment, and epic surf break at Salsa Brava! At that place are as well abundant rainforests and mangroves in the area— so you and your sweetheart will love exploring the land and the sea! Plus, in that location is a Wildlife Refuge center and even a jaguar rescue centre in the area that is admittedly incredible to tour!

Most Romantic Hideaway

Most Romantic Place to Stay in Costa Rica for Couples

Most Romantic Hideaway

Puerto Viejo

With beautiful blackness sand and a top location on the Caribbean coast, Puerto Viejo is a hub for surfers and travellers that appreciate a laid dorsum attitude and a relaxed atmosphere.

volcano costa rica

Places to Avert in Costa Rica

As nosotros've mentioned before, not everywhere on Costa rica a paradise. While information technology'south always smart to go along your eyes open and stay aware of your environment, the following areas are meliorate avoided than explored.

  • Areas in San Jose: While San Jose is Costa Rica'due south most popular tourist urban center, at that place are areas that you should avert. These include any sort of parks at night. Also stay away from these neighborhoods: Los Guido, Desamparados, Pavas, La Carpio, Leon XIII, the El Carmen neighborhood in Cartago, and the "El Infiernillo," sector of Alajuela.
  • Quepos (gateway): Quite a few robberies have been happening in Quepos, a modest town which acts as the gateway to the Manuel Antonio National Park. If possible endeavour to stay away or just go along your eyes open.
  • Matina: This is a modest rural community along the Matina River in Limón. The violent crimes rate is significantly higher here, and while it might merely target locals, information technology might be better to stay away, especially if you're travelling lone.

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17 Pinnacle Safety Tips for Traveling to Costa Rica

bridge in costa rica jungle
Don't be agape to travel into the jungle.

So whilst Costa rica is generally a safe place to visit, there's always more than yous can do to make sure you're as safe as can be. So here are a few acme tips for staying safe in Costa rica.

  1. Inquire with the staff at the hostel/hotel you're staying at – they'll know best most the expanse.
  2. Brand friends – exploring urban areas with a group of travelers deters would-be robbers.
  3. Don't walk alone at night – avert streets that look sketchy…
  4. Accept a taxi instead of walking at dark. – remember that licensed taxis are ruby-red (or orange). Anything else is illegal and risky
  5. Avert people that want to 'help' with your numberless – this is a scam.
  6. Split up your greenbacks strategically – don't put one huge wad of bills in your luggage!
  7. Behave a modest amount of cash when y'all go out – if something happens it's a modest loss. Using a money belt is an first-class way to hibernate cash.
  8. Don't wear expensive accessories – seeming rich makes y'all a target for thieves.
  9. You HAVE to carry your passport – but avoid losing it past copying it (ID page + Costa Rica visa) instead.
  10. Don't hang your bag or purse on the back of your chair – this is easy pickings for a thief.
  11. Don't exit your bags unattended at the beach – this is a rookie-level fault.
  12. Await busy at motorbus stations – looking lost is gold dust for scammers wanting a 'tip' for helping you lot.
  13. Don't utilise the overhead lockers on buses – get a ticket for the luggage compartment nether the bus.
  14. Use a flashlight or backpacking headlamp when walking at nighttime in rural areas – you lot don't want to step on something bitey!
  15. Speaking of which, don't forget mosquito repellent! Costa Rican mozzies are relentless
  16. Stay away from drugs – information technology's really not worth getting yourself mixed up in the gangs related to them. You're not making the country any better past buying them.
  17. Know what to pack for Republic of costa rica – called-for sun, annoying mosquitos… you have to be prepared!

By following our handy condom tips you'll get to enjoy more than of the amazingness that Costa Rica has to offer. Information technology's all about traveling smart so y'all don't have to worry about anything!

Some General Safety Tips from the OG Broke Backpacker

Is Costa Rica rubber to travel lone?

Is Costa Rica safe to travel alone?
source: Brendan Delzin (shutterstock)

Travelling in Republic of costa rica by yourself is totally doable and is 1 of the best ways to feel the amazing state!

Sure, it may exist easy but that doesn't mean it'due south a breeze. Hither are a few things y'all can bear in heed to make sure you lot optimize having fun on your trip.

  • Learn some Spanish. Yous're in a Spanish-speaking state later on all and it makes traversing the bus network much easier. Bus drivers aren't famed for their English either. You tin really enroll in Castilian classes for a couple of days too.
  • You'll almost likely desire to meet other people on your travels, right? And so unless you're totally into your ain visitor, then head to destinations where other travelers congregate. Some of the ameliorate places for solo travelers in Costa rica are Santa Teresa, Nosara, Puerto Viejo and Tamarindo.
  • And a top tip for beating the solo traveling dejection, just become out and about – new experiences and people volition never be likewise far away.
  • Stay at one of Costa Rica'southward hostels – it'due south probably one of the all-time means to get to know similar-minded travellers, substitution stories and travel tips. Fifty-fifty if you want to continue travelling alone, it might benefit your safety!

Republic of costa rica is safe to travel alone in but don't forget that anything can happen anywhere. Simply because you're traveling doesn't mean you're allowed to danger. Take care!

Is Costa Rica safety for solo female travelers?

Is Costa Rica safe for solo female travelers?
source: Dudarev Mikhail (shutterstock)

Is it safe to vacation in Costa Rica for women? Unfortunately traveling lone and being a female tin ofttimes mean y'all have to be extra careful. Republic of costa rica tin exist risky for women, of form.

Hither are some crucial things to continue in mind when you're out there in Costa rica and so you can stay as prophylactic as possible on your travels.

  • Be confident, fifty-fifty if y'all don't feel like it. Looking confused, standing around lost, is a skilful way to attract unwanted attending – anywhere in the world. If you're actually lost, walking confidently (even if y'all accept no clue where you are) to somewhere that looks safe – a shop, a library, etc. – and notice a member of staff to ask for help.
  • That's another affair: don't be afraid to be direct and ask for help or directions. This volition almost probable exist ameliorate than accepting help from someone who initiates the conservation with y'all.
  • Avoid walking lonely at night. Get a licensed taxi domicile or walk with a big grouping of friends from your hostel, just don't walk home alone, even if the distance is curt.
  • Once you lot arrive in Republic of costa rica, brand friends – women more than men are often targeted by criminals and having a skillful crew with yous helps to scare away attackers.
  • Look at what the local women your age are doing – what they're dressed like, how they're behaving.
  • Catcalls practice happen. If you don't want that kind of attention, ignore them and move on.
  • Know the emergency numbers! Seems simple just it'due south hands neglected. Keep them in your phone at the summit of the list.
  • Let someone know where you're going – Even if it's but the staff at the hostel or a friend at home – it's necessar.

More nigh Safety in Costa Rica

We've covered the iii primary safety questions already, simply in that location is a lot more to know about Costa Rica#s prophylactic. Read on for even more than detailed information on how to stay condom during your trip.

Is Costa Rica safe to travel for families?

Costa Rica is a fun-packed place and a total playground for whatever take a chance-loving families out there.

Both the jungles and the incredible beaches in Costa Rica draw tourists in, and these tin be neat fun for y'all and your kids. Brand sure you ask locals nearly where is the safest to swim: riptides tin can be mortiferous. Become with a guide on hikes. They'll spot dangerous wildlife fashion before you do.

Is Costa Rica safe to travel for families?
source: Jan Sekyra (shutterstock)

Is information technology safe to bulldoze in Republic of costa rica?

Driving in Costa Rica is no problem if you lot're an experienced driver. Route conditions vary from spotless highways to bumpy clay tracks and spontaneous river crossings.

At that place'south not a lot of signage, in that location are potholes, drivers frequently overtake at what you'd definitely phone call unsafe places, and you'll need to be conscientious in the rainy flavour when landslides tin occur and the route can literally wash away.

Is Uber Safe in Costa rica?

Uber is safe in Costa Rica: information technology's quick and inexpensive and you won't exist overcharged. It'due south peculiarly great to use from SJO Airport to your accommodation.

Are taxis safe in Costa Rica?

It's common to accept a taxi and you'll run into them almost everywhere. The color of licensed taxis is red. That's the legal type and annihilation else that calls itself a taxi virtually likely is not. The legal ones are very rubber to employ.

Information technology's the "pirate taxis" that are not safety. The cars they bulldoze are old, they often have no insurance, and they charge whatever they desire.

For female person travellers, sitting in the back seat is all-time. And every bit side note Costa Rican taxi drivers similar their cars. So don't slam the doors or brand a mess and they'll exist happy with you lot!

Is public transportation in Republic of costa rica safety?

Thankfully, public transportation is safe in Costa rica and then long as yous're beingness as vigilant as usual.

The easiest matter to actually effigy out nearly the buses in Costa Rica are the fact that their destinations are written on paper and posted on the front of the double-decker.

Bus drivers commonly aren't well versed in English language so here's where you'll be busting out your coach Spanish basics.

If you're going to catch a bus from San Jose to anywhere else during holiday fourth dimension you're going to have to book ahead of fourth dimension at a double-decker station. Again, basic Spanish would be helpful.

Don't be afraid of the luggage storage under the jitney. No one tin can get to your bag down there. Putting your bag in the overhead shelf puts it and your valuables at risk.

Keep everything on y'all in transit!

When moving from place to place, you shouldn't shop travel documents in a bag, even if it'southward under your seat or overhead.

A total-sized coin belt that stays tucked under your clothes keeps your documents and cash organized during your travels and assures zero disquisitional gets left behind or stolen.

Is the food in Republic of costa rica rubber?

Because the food in Republic of costa rica has a big focus on fresh ingredients being freshly cooked, the likelihood of getting sick from something you ate is actually relatively low.

But to be extra sure, you lot should follow our guidelines beneath.

  • First of all, and always the almost obvious thing: salads. These are always a picayune scrap risky equally they almost always involve no cooking. If information technology looks super fresh become for information technology, if not, pass.
  • Eating at a soda  (not to be confused with the beverage) is commonly a proficient idea. Not only are these going to be pretty delicious, just spending your money here is going to be supporting the local customs since they're family-run.
  • Street nutrient stands are cheap and amazing. Things are cooked before your very eyes and then yous won't have to worry about things sitting in the lord's day all mean solar day.
  • The fruit hither is so good and information technology's not ordinarily the fruit itself that will make you ill – information technology's the amount you're going to be eating! Remember: as well much fruit can give you the runs, so limit yourself or yous volition pay the price…
  • Traveling with an allergy? Research ahead of fourth dimension how to explicate your allergy. If you're gluten-gratuitous, pick up a handy Gluten-Gratis Translation Carte with descriptions of Celiac disease, cantankerous-contamination take chances, and local Costa Rican ingredients in Latin American Spanish.

Can you drink the h2o in Costa Rica?

Well, actually, yep. It's safe to beverage the tap h2o in Costa rica. It's actually pretty tasty likewise! (Must be all that volcanic soil).

That beingness said, more rural and undeveloped portions of the land may not take the same benefits that the cities take, so you may desire to avoid tap water out in the sticks.

Alternatively, take a decent water bottle and water purification tablets to be on the (actress) condom side. UV pens or a Grayl Geopress are also very effective and, if you lot drink a lot of tap water, tin be very wise investments.

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Is Costa Rica condom to live?

In that location'southward a comprehensive expat customs in Republic of costa rica, with many beingness retirees from the U.s.a. (every bit many as fifty,000 as of 2013).

Living in Costa Rica is not e'er as cheap equally you recall it'south going to exist, nor as straightforward as you might want it to be. Piece of work visas can be tricky to apply for: you accept to prove that you lot're filling a position that a Costa Rican can't.

In rural areas, there tin be power outages, and wildlife might go a piffling too close for condolement. Earthquakes and volcanoes can pose a take a chance wherever you're situated, so knowing what to practice when disaster strikes is very sensible!

is costa rice safe to live in
This could exist your backyard.

Is information technology safe to rent an Airbnb in Costa Rica?

Yes, renting an Airbnb in Costa rica is very rubber. And non but that, you'll get some incredible accommodation options. From individual rooms in guesthouses to unique treehouses, there are endless places to choose from.

Airbnb's are often run by locals which know the area best and with the ii-sided recommendation system of the platform, you know exactly what to expect of the place you're nigh to book.

Costa Rica Safety FAQ'southward

For a travel destination like Costa Rica, in that location are lots of different things you have to consider when it comes to safety. We've listed the near common question, answers and facts to make your trip every bit piece of cake every bit possible.

And so, Is Republic of costa rica Safe?

Costa Rica Safe to Visit
In that location yous have information technology. Costa Rica is very safe – now go and enjoy!

Yep, travelling to Costa rica is safe. Very safe in fact if you're using your mutual sense. A wealth of history, crazy adept food, and literally astonishing nature make it perfect for many different people. And that's not even mentioning its stunning beaches, which are as popular for sunbathers as they are for surfers.

There are things to bear in mind, of grade – taxis can exist fraudulent, female travelers can be more than susceptible, and pickpockets are in full-strength.

Thanks to this guide, you lot'll now take some great travel tips to know exactly how to stay safe while traveling in Republic of costa rica. Having the correct travel insurance will also requite yous peace of heed!

And accept y'all thought about getting Travel Insurance for your trip? You tin get a quote from Globe Nomads by clicking on the link below.

Disclaimer: Safe conditions change all over the earth on a daily footing. We practise our best to advise only this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!


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